Rising Virginia rapper Austin Fox 狐 has unveiled his latest masterpiece in the form of brand-new album Genkurō 源九郎. This album weaves a captivating narrative inspired by Japanese culture, mythology and martial arts philosophy, delivering a profound musical experience that transcends boundaries.
Genkurō 源九郎, a shapeshifting fox spirit, takes centre stage in this unique musical journey. In Japanese lore, the fox spirit is known for its role in assisting Minamoto Yoshitsune against the forces of Yoshitsune’s own brother, Yoritomo Yoshitsune. Austin’s deep appreciation for anime and Japanese culture, reflected in the Japanese kanji for “fox” in his name (狐), motivated him to create a project that pays homage to these influences while connecting them to his personal life.
As Austin Fox 狐 explains, “Genkurō 源九郎 is a story of love and dedication to one’s craft. It is a take on loyalty to yourself and those around you who deserve it. It is another opportunity to discover who I am as an individual.”
The album draws inspiration from the teachings of Japan’s legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, who went undefeated in over 60 duels and authored the famous Book of Five Rings. Musashi’s philosophy emphasises the importance of strategy and discipline in mastering swordplay and, by extension, life itself. Each of the book’s five sections corresponds to one of the elements (earth, water, fire, wind, void/space). Austin Fox 狐 found a serendipitous connection to Musashi’s themes in his own discography, where his first five project releases unintentionally align with these elements. This realisation inspired the creation of Genkurō 源九郎 as the sixth release in his catalogue.
The album delves into themes of loyalty and love, building upon the artist’s previous works such as Ranger396v and SCORIAN VALLEY. Austin Fox 狐 explores the loyalty exhibited by Genkurō toward Yoshitsune, mirroring the loyalty he feels toward his closest allies and his lover. Genkurō 源九郎 serves as a culmination of the lessons learned from his previous projects, offering a refined and skilful execution of his artistic vision.
One notable aspect of Genkurō 源九郎 is that it marks the first time Austin Fox 狐 has chosen not to feature any other artists on his album. The creative process for this album was a natural and deeply personal journey, resulting in verses and songs that exceeded his own expectations.
The album’s focus track, “Lady Shizuka”, exemplifies the overarching theme of love and dedication. Through its poignant lyrics, Austin Fox 狐 emphasises the importance of his relationship, acknowledging the brilliance of his lover and his commitment to resolving any challenges that arise.
Genkurō 源九郎 is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of artistic expression and self-discovery. Austin Fox 狐 invites listeners to embark on this extraordinary musical adventure, exploring the depths of love, loyalty and personal growth.
Genkurō 源九郎 is out now on all platforms.
